I am scheduled for a lingual tonsillectomy June 23rd. The surgery does not relate to sleep apnea. I have severely enlarged lingual tonsils and have had about 8 infections in the last 12 months. I had my regular tonsils removed when I was 4 and I am now 25. This is considered a rare surgery and I was wondering if anyone has had it done and can give me some insight. I had to sign a release for a tracheostomy should my airway swell shut. Any information would be helpful.

anyone?

Jillian,
I had surgery on a lingual tonsil 2 years ago. I left the hospital the same day. The pain is bad for the first day or two. They couldn't remove the whole tonsil because they were afraid I'd have too much swelling. The tonsil has grown back and I have to have the surgery again next month. I also had to sign a release form.

Thanks for the information Donna. My ENT said I will remain in the hospital ICU for 23 hours following the surgery and that he will more than likely leave me entibated during that time. I am sorry to hear that yours growing back. Did your doctor say anything about acid reflux? My ENT put me on Nexium because he says acid reflux can cause the tonsil to grow. I have to watch my diet following surgery he said because if not it will grow back.

We tried a prescription for acid reflux, but it didn't work. I'd like to hear more about the diet your doctor gave you for after surgery. I don't remember having any specific diet.

I had the surgery and it was relatively easy. I was home by 4 pm the day of the surgery. It took the doctor about 2 1/2 hours to do it. He didn't remove it all and warned that I would have to repeat the procedure in 3-4 years. He found pretty severe esophagus burn due to the reflux and said I will have to be on medication pretty much the rest of my life. My follow-up is Thursday where he will go over the results of my pathology. Donna, when you had yours done was one of your linguals larger than the other? According to my doctor, there was quite a bit more build up on the left side than on the right. I am just wondering how abnormal that is.

I'm glad all went well. I only have a problem on the right side. The left never enlarges. They found nothing unusual last time I had the surgery. My problem may be more related to allergies and post nasal drip. My surgery is scheduled for Aug. 5. I'll let you know if I learn anything new.